Why Your Next London Refurbishment Needs a TrustMark Approved Contractor

Hill & Way is now a Trustmark approved contractor near me in London

Peace of Mind is Not a Luxury: Hill & Way is Now a TrustMark Approved Contractor

(Estimated Reading Time: 7 Minutes)

Finding a reliable, high-quality building contractor in London can feel like a gamble. For homeowners in prestigious areas like Notting Hill, Kensington, and Chelsea, it's a high-stakes decision involving your most valuable asset. For architects, property managers, and public sector clients working in the area, a poor choice leads to project delays, budget overruns, and damaged reputations.

In a crowded market, how do you separate genuine quality from a slick sales pitch?

You look for independent, rigorous proof.

That is why we are exceptionally proud to announce that Hill & Way is now a TrustMark Approved contractor.

This isn't just another badge for our website. It is the single most important accreditation in our industry-the only one endorsed by the UK Government. It is a formal, external validation of the high standards of technical competence, customer service, and financial probity we have always built into our business.

This article explains what TrustMark is, why it is so difficult to achieve, and what our new status means for you and your next property project in West London.

Hill & Way is now a Trustmark approved contractor in Hampstead North London

What is TrustMark (And Why Isn't It Just Another Review Site)?

It's crucial to understand that TrustMark is not a simple review platform or a paid-for directory.

TrustMark is a complex quality scheme. It was established in 2005 in partnership with the government, consumer protection bodies, and the building industry to tackle a lack of standards and protect homeowners from "cowboy builders."

To be a TrustMark Registered Business, a company cannot just pay a fee. They must:

  • Be independently assessed by a registered Scheme Provider (like the Federation of Master Builders).
  • Undergo on-site inspections by technical experts to verify their quality of work.
  • Have their trading practices, customer service policies, and financial health rigorously vetted.
  • Commit to a comprehensive Code of Conduct and a clear, independent dispute-resolution process.

In short, a review site asks, "Did a past client like this builder?" TrustMark asks, "Is this builder provably competent, financially stable, and accountable for their work?"

The Four Pillars of TrustMark: What Our Approval Guarantees You

Our journey to TrustMark approval was thorough, involving detailed audits of our on-site work, our back-office processes, and our company health. For our clients, this accreditation provides a powerful, four-part guarantee.

1. Vetted Technical Competence

This is the most important pillar. TrustMark approval is contingent on independent, on-site inspections of our work. A qualified inspector visited our active projects to ensure that everything-from a complex structural extension in Holland Park to the fine details of a bathroom installation in Chelsea-is built to the correct technical standards and complies with building regulations.

For you, this means an expert third party has verified that our team has the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver the high-quality finish your project demands.

2. Proven Customer Service & Fair Trading

Quality workmanship is only half the battle. A successful project depends on clear communication, transparent quoting, and a fair contract.

The TrustMark assessment dives deep into our business practices. They verify that:

  • Our quotes are clear, detailed, and transparent.
  • Our contracts are fair and easy to understand.
  • We have formal processes for handling client communication and resolving any issues promptly.

This vetting provides assurance that you are dealing with a professional, well-run business that values its clients, not just its craft.

3. Financial Health & Robust Insurance

This is a critical, often-overlooked area of risk. A contractor who is under-insured or in poor financial health puts your project and your property at significant risk.

TrustMark vets its members to ensure they are financially sound and hold all the correct, up-to-date insurance policies, including Public Liability. This check confirms that we are a stable, viable business that will be here to see your project through to completion and stand by our work for years to come.

4. Accountability and Dispute Resolution

In an ideal world, every project runs perfectly. But in the real world of complex London refurbishments, unforeseen challenges can arise. What matters is how they are handled.

As a TrustMark member, Hill & Way adheres to a strict Code of Conduct. More importantly, we provide our clients with access to an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service. This gives you a clear, low-cost pathway to resolving any disagreement, providing a level of consumer protection and accountability that is simply unavailable from a non-accredited firm.

What TrustMark Approval Means for Our Clients

This accreditation directly addresses the biggest concerns of each of our client groups, providing a clear reason to partner with Hill & Way.

For Homeowners in Notting Hill and Kensington

For you, TrustMark means peace of mind. It removes the gamble from choosing a builder for your extension, loft conversion, or major refurbishment. You are not just trusting our word; you are trusting a government-endorsed standard. It is the difference between hoping for a good result and choosing a contractor who has proven they can deliver it.

For Architects and Designers

Your reputation is on the line with every contractor you recommend. When you partner with a TrustMark Approved business, you are protecting your design and your client. You can be confident you are working with a team that has been vetted for technical skill, professionalism, and financial stability. This simplifies your due diligence and ensures your vision is executed with the precision it deserves.

For Property Managers and Local Authorities

For you, TrustMark is about compliance and risk management. Supplier vetting is a non-negotiable part of your procurement process, especially when managing portfolios in areas like Kensington and Chelsea.

By choosing Hill & Way as your TrustMark Approved partner for property maintenance or refurbishment projects, you are instantly satisfying your due diligence requirements. You are engaging a contractor who is confirmed to be:

  • Technically competent for the work.
  • Fully insured and financially stable.
  • Compliant with all health and safety regulations.
  • Accountable through a formal dispute process.

In an era of increasing regulation, like the new Awaab's Law for social housing, this independent verification of competence is essential.

Our Commitment: Beyond the Badge

We pursued TrustMark approval because it formalises the values Hill & Way was built on: transparency, quality, and accountability.

This badge is not a finish line. It is a signpost of our ongoing commitment. It assures our clients-from a Notting Hill homeowner to a Kensington property manager-that their project is in the safest possible hands.

When you are ready to discuss your next project, you no longer have to guess if your contractor is reliable. Just look for the TrustMark.

Ready to start your next project with a team you can trust? Contact our team today to discuss your plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between TrustMark and a trade association?

A: A trade association (like the FMB, of which we are also proud members) is an organisation that supports its members with resources and representation. TrustMark is a top-level quality scheme that approves trade associations (as 'Scheme Providers'). To gain TrustMark approval, we had to be assessed by our Scheme Provider to ensure we meet TrustMark's government-endorsed standards, which is a higher and more complex level of vetting.

Q: Does TrustMark approval cover all types of work?

A: Yes. The approval covers the business and its commitment to technical competence, customer service, and fair trading across all its services. Whether you engage us for our Property Maintenance Services or a full-scale refurbishment in Notting Hill, you are protected by the same TrustMark guarantee.

Q: How does TrustMark benefit public sector or property management clients?

A: It simplifies procurement and manages risk. Many government-funded schemes (like those for energy efficiency) require the use of a TrustMark-registered business. By choosing Hill & Way, you are using a pre-vetted supplier that meets a government-endorsed standard for quality and compliance, which is invaluable for demonstrating due diligence.

Q: Where can I verify Hill & Way's TrustMark status?

A: You can find us on the official TrustMark online directory. This register is the only place to find approved businesses. We are also happy to provide our registration details on request.

About the Author

Marcin Baranowski
Marcin is the Director and co-founder of Hill & Way. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in high-end London property refurbishment, Marcin founded the company on a principle of delivering exceptional quality with total transparency. His focus is on building lasting client relationships based on trust and demonstrable expertise.

Citations

  1. TrustMark. (2025). About TrustMark. Retrieved from https://www.trustmark.org.uk/about
  2. GOV.UK. (2025). TrustMark - Government Endorsed Quality. Retrieved from the Department for Business and Trade.